Yes, which is why I said that if they're set on living together in Canada, for her to just come to Canada and get married then, not before.
Bring my fiancée to Canada/Quebec
- Thread starter Tube
- Start date
Thank you all for your input, I really really appreciate it.
If I understand correctly, the only "correct" way, to do it the way the law intended, would be to get married in the USA with a financé Visa. Any other way, if we're asked point-blank at the boarder about our intentions, they would likely/perhaps decline entry. Is that correct? And that is because Canada doesn't have fiancé visas.
If I understand correctly, the only "correct" way, to do it the way the law intended, would be to get married in the USA with a financé Visa. Any other way, if we're asked point-blank at the boarder about our intentions, they would likely/perhaps decline entry. Is that correct? And that is because Canada doesn't have fiancé visas.
Why do you think this is the only way that the law allows it?
If you get a fiancee visa for the USA, it's a signal that you, as a Canadian, intend to move to the USA. You do not need a visa to get married in the USA - anyone can show up at a wedding chapel in the US and get married. The fiance visa for the USA is for fiance/es intending to immigrate to the USA.
If your intention is to reside in Canada, you have some options:
1. Get married in the USA and then apply for outland sponsorship. You do not need a fiance visa for the USA to do this. If you get married in the USA and then try to come into Canada, you may (though you may not!) get stopped and questioned and risk denial of entry.
2. Get married in Canada and stay in Canada. She can come to Canada and you can get married in Canada. She can then apply for inland sponsorship. You need to get her to Canada. She can say at the border she is there to see you. The border officer generally won't care unless she is literally moving house at the same time.
3. Get married in Canada, return to the USA, and apply outland. Takes 6-8 month.
To reiterate - a fiancee visa in the USA is for fiancees who intend to immigrate into the USA. You do not require a visa to sign a marriage certificate in the USA.
Last edited:
No you can get married without a fiancé visa because you can easily enter Canada as a Canadian citizen. Fiance visas are really for people who can’t get a visa to come to the US. You have to choose where you want to get married. Both US and Canada are options. You just have to figure out what the requirements are to get married in that state or province and how long will you have to wait until you receive your marriage certificate in the mail. You can then go to Canada but your wife wouldn’t be moving yet she would be visiting. She basically can’t bring the contents of her home right away. At the border you just have to say your wife is coming to visit you in Canada and if they ask you can tell them you are applying to sponsor. Showing a receipt showing that you have already paid for the sponsorship reassures them that you are taking the necessary steps to remain in Canada. You’re making this more complicated than it really is.
Wow, thank you! You just really cleared things up for me! I didn't realise that the fiancee visa for the USA was only for those intending to remain in the USA.
I assume it is just her that could be denied since I am a citizen? Would that have any affects upon future attempts to get her into the country?
OK, so this basically works the same way both directions, right? You won't get turned around at the boarder even if they know you intend to get married, unless they think you're going to stay in the country. Proof that you intend to return could be helpful (if they ask for it).
Well, 6-8 moths still isn't that long as someone pointed out last night over a 30+ year journey together.
You are really over thinking this. Get married in the states as I believe that is your preferred location, apply for outland sponsorship. In the meantime as an American she can "VISIT" you and as a Canadian you can visit her. She cannot work or live here, but realistically she shouldn't have much problems getting 6 month visitor stay with you. At any point she could leave Canada and when she comes back a new six month period would start. There is a small risk that they might not let her in, but this would not have a negative impact on your file, it is worth the shot. Really that is your best option if you do not wish to live together PRIOR to marriage.
Just get married already! 
Best wishes and good luck with the sponsorship.
Best wishes and good luck with the sponsorship.